No Bullying Of People Wearing Masks After March 7 Will Be Tolerated: Morris Schools

MORRISTOWN, NJ — State officials will allow masks to come off in K-12 schools on March 7. But anyone who continues to wear face coverings after the state mandate ends will be "wholly supported," Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ficarra wrote Tuesday to the school community.

"The MSD will not tolerate anyone being demeaned or bullied for choosing to wear a mask to protect themselves or others," Ficarra said.

The district is also awaiting revised guidance on quarantine requirements and other COVID-19 protocols.

Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed Monday that he will drop New Jersey's school mask mandate, effective March 7. But the state will allow individual school districts and childcare centers to maintain masking requirements after that date.

People who choose to wear masks may continue to do so. Murphy will extend New Jersey's public health state of emergency for one more month to allow schools to make the adjustment. Read more: Schools Can Extend Mask Mandate, But NJ Requirement Ends In March

COVID-19 cases in Morris schools have significantly reduced in the past month. The district reported 218 active cases and 148 people under active quarantine upon Jan. 3's return from winter break. As of Tuesday, Morris schools only had 17 cases and 18 people quarantined, according to the district's latest COVID-19 dashboard.

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